2-Methylfuran Chemical Properties

Melting point:

-88.7 °C

Boiling point:

63-66 °C (lit.)

Density 

0.91 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)

vapor density 

2.8 (vs air)

vapor pressure 

139 mm Hg ( 20 °C)

refractive index 

n20/D 1.433(lit.)

FEMA 

4179 | 2-METHYLFURAN

Flash point:

−8 °F

storage temp. 

Store below +30°C.

solubility 

3000mg/l

form 

Liquid

color 

Clear yellow

Odor

at 1.00 % in propylene glycol. ethereal acetone chocolate

Odor Type

chocolate

Water Solubility 

0.3 g/100 mL (20 ºC)

FreezingPoint 

-88.68℃

JECFA Number

1487

BRN 

103733

Stability:

Volatile

InChIKey

VQKFNUFAXTZWDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N

LogP

1.79

CAS DataBase Reference

534-22-5(CAS DataBase Reference)

NIST Chemistry Reference

Furan, 2-methyl-(534-22-5)

EPA Substance Registry System

2-Methylfuran (534-22-5)

Safety Information

Hazard Codes 

F,T

Risk Statements 

11-23-23/24/25-2017/11/23

Safety Statements 

16-33-45-7/9-9

RIDADR 

UN 2301 3/PG 2

WGK Germany 

1

RTECS 

LU2625000

TSCA 

Yes

HazardClass 

3

PackingGroup 

II

HS Code 

29321900

Toxicity

LD50 orally in Rabbit: 167 mg/kg

MSDS

• Language:English Provider:2-Methylfuran
• Language:English Provider:ACROS
• Language:English Provider:SigmaAldrich
• Language:English Provider:ALFA

2-Methylfuran Usage And Synthesis

Description

2-methylfuran is a flammable, water soluble liquid with the potential to be used as an alternative biofuel. It has become very attractive and promising due to the recent breakthrough in its production method through dehydration and hydrogenolysis of fructose or cellulose. This indicates the prospect of industrial mass production of 2-methylfuran and its derivative 2, 5-dimethylfuran. The 2-methylfuran and 2, 5-dimethylfuran have now been considered as a potential choice of alternative fuel pathway for spark ignition (SI) engines because of their similarities to gasoline. Therefore, as an alternative bio-fuels, it presents a potential way to provide sustainable-renewable sources and tackle the severe issue of fossil fuel depletion and global warming.

Chemical Properties

2-Methylfuran is a flammable, water-soluble liquid with a chocolate odor, found naturally in Myrtle and Dutch Lavender used as a FEMA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) flavoring substance, with the potential for use in alternative fuels. 2-Methylfuran is expected to gain traction in the near future as it is primarily used in pharmaceuticals industry. It is a light yellowish green volatile organic compound with an ethereal odor and is also known as sylvan. 2-Methylfuran changes its shading to black or yellow when exposed to sunlight. It is highly flammable and hence is stored in a ventilated, cool dry place far from heat & fire.

Uses

2-Methylfuran is widely used in manufacturing of drugs like atropine, sodium acetate, furadantine, anisodamine and thiamine furan. In pharmaceuticals industry, synthesis of vitamin B1 is done using 2-Methylfuran. It is less dense than water but its vapors are heavier when contrastedwith air. 2-Methylfuran also finds application as a tool for screening of lung cancer and production of anti-malarial drug like chloroquine. It is also used to produce methyl furfural, aliphatic compounds and sulfur and nitrogen heterocycles. Moreover, 2-Methylfuran is also used for making pesticides, flavors or fragrances and has narcotic effect.

Preparation

2-Methylfuran is an article of commerce (chemical intermediate) and is normally manufactured by catalytic hydrogenolysis of furfural alcohol or via a hydrogenation-hydrogenolysis sequence from furfural in the vapor phase.

References

Wang, Chongming, et al. "Combustion characteristics and emissions of 2-methylfuran compared to 2, 5-dimethylfuran, gasoline and ethanol in a DISI engine." Fuel 103 (2013): 200-211.
Ma, Xiao, et al. "Laminar burning characteristics of 2-methylfuran and isooctane blend fuels." Fuel 116 (2014): 281-291.

Chemical Properties

2-Methylfuran is a cyclic diene possessing ether-like properties. It is highly reactive with many inorganic and organic compounds yielding a variety of new derivatives which await exploration for the development of commercial applications.

Chemical Properties

Colorless liquid; spicy, smoky aroma

Occurrence

Reported found in cooked beef, bread, butter, chicken, cocoa, coffee, currant, mint, tea and tomato.

Uses

2-Methylfuran may be used in the synthesis of exo-cis-1-methyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride via Diels-Alder reaction with maleic anhydride.

Uses

2-Methylfuran is a volatile organic compound (VOCs) used as a potential non-intrusive tool for screening of lung cancer.

Definition

ChEBI: 2-methylfuran is a member of the class of furans that is furan in which the hydrogen at position 2 is replaced by a methyl group. It has a role as a human urinary metabolite, a hepatotoxic agent, a fuel, a flavouring agent and a plant metabolite. It is a member of furans and a volatile organic compound.

Aroma threshold values

Medium strength odor, chocolate type; recommend smelling in a 1.00% solution or less

General Description

A clear colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. Flash point -22°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier than air.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

2-Methylfuran is incompatible with strong acids and strong bases. May react vigorously with oxidizing materials .

Hazard

Highly flammable, dangerous fire andexplosion risk. Irritant.

Health Hazard

Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by inhalation. An eye irritant. Mutation data reported. Very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Purification Methods

Wash it with acidified saturated ferrous sulfate solution (to remove peroxides), separate, dry with CaSO4 or CaCl2, and fractionally distil it from KOH immediately before use. To reduce the possibility of spontaneous polymerisation, addition of about one-third of its volume of heavy mineral oil to 2-methylfuran prior to distillation has been recommended. [Beilstein 17 H 36, 17 I 18, 17 II 39, 17 III/IV 265.]

2-Methylfuran(534-22-5)Related Product Information

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• FURFURYL ALCOHOL RESIN
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• (2-METHYL-PYRIDIN-3-YL)-METHANOL